Word Origin & History

rally "bring together," 1603, from Fr. rallier, from O.Fr. ralier "reassemble, unite again," from re- "again" + alier "unite" (see ally). The noun is first recorded 1651, originally in the military sense of "regroup for renewed action after a repulse." Sense of "mass meeting to arouse group support" first attested 1840, Amer.Eng. Sense of "gathering of automobile enthusiasts" is from 1932, from Fr. Sports sense of "long series of hits" in tennis, etc., is from 1887. Rally round the flag (1862) is a line from popular Amer. Civil War song "Battle Cry of Freedom."

Example Sentences for rallied

Johnson and Reynolds often rallied each other on the subject of drinking.

The soldier thanked her, and rallied visibly at the comparison.

In a little while they rallied, and attacked the Spaniards with great fury, killing their guide and four-fifths of their company.

They began to give, then once more they rallied, and the fight hung doubtfully.

The Genevese saw this, rallied in their turn, and for a moment seemed to be holding their own.

It may have been the steam of the soup that rallied Constance.

How long I had passed in this state of despondency I knew not; but it was long past noon when I rallied myself.

With a supreme effort, he rallied his failing consciousness and grasped it.

They plied him with wine and cigars, and rallied him on his pure demure face.

That was why Rostov grew angry when he was rallied about Princess Bolkonskaya.